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Gold Medal Software 3
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Gold Medal Software - Volume 3 (Gold Medal) (1994).iso
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bkache56.arj
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PART2.EXE
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ARTH.TXT
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1992-12-04
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ARTHRITIS
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Arthritis would probably be placed third on any list of backache
causes. Chronic back strain and disc disorders would earn first
and second place respectively, but arthritis affects some people
and for a variety of reasons, both mechanical and metabolic.
Osteoarthritis is the most common of the three arthritic
afflictions of the back. It is a reflection of the gradual
wearing out of the spinal column. Over time the joints of the
back wear. The process can be accelerated by faulty posture or
chronic strain, but the end result is the same. In one scenario
leading to osteoarthritis a disc can begin to bulge outwards due
to pressure or chronic strain. Eventually one of the connective
ligaments may be lifted free from the surface of two adjoining
the vertebral bodies. As time passes, this injured site fills
with "bone spur" growths which eventually join to fuse the two
vertebrae together.
Once natural fusion takes place, the discomfort is somewhat
lessened, but while the damaged space is filling with the new
bone spurs, grinding and pain is felt. Other types of
osteoarthritic growth can occur and this is only one example.
Since the lower lumbar region and upper cervical region of the
back have the greatest range of motion naturally, it is these
regions that frequently show the first signs of osteoarthritis.
Treatment may consist of one or a combination of the following:
bed rest, exercise therapies, pain killers and surgical spinal
fusion.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second type of arthritis which can
afflict the back. It is not a mechanical problem like
osteoarthritis but a true disease and is much more serious. It
is not necessarily limited to the old, but can be found in all
age groups. Frequently it begins in the large joints of the body
and may spread to other joints. The spine may be affected in
later stages. The pain and inflammation of the joints may also
involve a gradual loss of bone mass, termed osteoporosis.
Ankylosing spondylitis or Marie-Strumpel disease is quite rare.
It has characteristics of some arthritic conditions. Gradually
the intervertebral joints of the spine are replaced by bone.
Eventually the entire spine may become rigid. The primary dorsal
curve of the back can become acute as leaving the victim with a
severely bent back. Surgery is the primary method of treatment
and can affect only modest restoration of function.
Gouty arthritis is the third arthritic condition which can
affect the back. It is seen infrequently in medical literature
today. It is a true metabolic disease involving uric acid
crystal buildup within the joints. The first joints to feel pain
are usually those of the foot and toes, although the spine can
also be affected. A blood test, X rays and appropriate
medications can usually identify and manage this type of
arthritic condition. It is most frequently seen in males.
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SYSTEMIC DISEASES
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Systemic diseases, in simplest terms refer to diseases or
infections which are "system wide" or throughout your body.
Unlike localized back ailments such as chronic strain or a
slipped disc, these diseases can produce backaches and pains
from the perspective of their overall impact on the body.
Specific metabolic diseases, those that affect your metabolism
or endocrine balance, can cause back pain. The endocrine system
secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. The pituitary
gland at the base of the brain, for example, secretes growth
hormone. Too much of this growth hormone and you end up becoming
either a giant or a dwarf. Three systemic endocrine imbalances
can affect the spine and bones of the back...
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of the thyroid gland located in the
neck. It controls the rate of bodily metabolic functions.
Hyperthyroidism refers to the "hyperactive" state of this gland
when it secretes too much hormone. When the rate of metabolism
is speeded excessively, calcium can be gradually removed from
the bones, frequently those of the spine. The individual
vertebrae begin to lose bone mass and density and can become
collapsed or misshapen. This obviously leads to back pain.
Hyperparathroidism refers to the small parathyroid glands which
are located in pairs on either side of the thyroid gland. When
these four glands become hyperactive a similar calcium depletion
can take place in the bones of the vertebrae, but in a non-
uniform, irregular manner. Gradually gaps are created in the
vertebrae and other bones. A fibrous tissue fills in the gaps.
The bone becomes irregular and weakened. Surgery may be required
reduce back pain in severe cases.
The third primary metabolic disease which can affect the spine
is hyperadrenalism or Cushings Disease. In this instance
excessive cortisone is present in the bloodstream caused by
hyperactivity of the adrenal glands located near the kidneys.
Gradually osteoporosis or loss of bone mass begins. Frequently
in the bones of the spine.
Metabolic diseases can also affect the spine other than
endocrinological imbalances.
Paget's disease is also known as osteitis deformans. In this
situation the bone mass of the vertebral bodies begins to
rapidly grow and thicken. Usually this involves the bones of the
lower spine. The tiny holes through which nerve roots emerge,
the foramina, begin to narrow. Pressure is placed on spinal
nerves which become irritated by the compression. The disease is
confirmed by a blood test for enzyme alkaline phosphatase. The
cause of the disease is not fully understood. Surgery is
frequently the only remedy.
Diseases of the circulatory system can also affect back pain. If
a blood clot forms which partially blocks oxygen and nutrients
to muscles of the legs or buttocks severe pain can result which
mimics back pain. The pain is referred to the area of the back
and spine, but nonetheless originates from blockage of blood to
muscle groups in the leg. Thrombophlebitis, an inflammation of
the veins, can also cause backaches which can be referred to the
back and spinal region. Likewise arterial obstructions and
classic varicose veins can cause pain which is referred to the
back region.
On a mundane level, infections such as a common cold can also
cause backaches. A system wide viral infection lowers your
threshold of pain and tends to produce fatigue in joints and
muscles. Mild muscle spasm can result and as a consequence
backaches are not uncommon when you have a cold. A practical
solution is to encourage bed rest and keep those knees bent
which reduces strain in the lower lumbar region of the back.
This tutorial is merely a starting point! For further
information on back care and back pain, be sure to register this
software ($25.00) which brings by prompt postal delivery a
printed, illustrated guide to back pain written by a physician
plus two software disks. From the main menu select "Print
Registration Form." Or from the DOS prompt type the command
ORDER. Mail to Seattle Scientific Photography (Dept. BRN), PO
Box 1506, Mercer Island, WA 98040. If you cannot print the order
form, send $25.00 to the above address and a short letter
requesting these materials. End of chapter.